Crisosto, Aligaen rule Palawan Pawnshop netfest

MANILA, Philippines - Matthew Crisosto and Danielle Aligaen dominated the 2012 Philta-Palawan Pawnshop Regional Age-Group Championships presented by Babolat, posting a three-title sweep in their respective divisions at La Paz Tennis Club in Iloilo recently.

Crisosto, a 14-year-old find from Iloilo Central Commercial High, swept Bacolod’s Fernando Arguelles twice, 4-2, 5-3, and 4-2, 4-2, to claim the 14- and 16-Under crowns then wore down Ryan Madrelino, 5-3, 2-4, 10-3, to pocket the 18-U title in the event serving as the kickoff leg of a six-stage circuit of Philta’s nationwide talent search.

Aligaen, also 14 and teammate of Crisosto at the La Paz Tennis Club, repulsed Mary Grace Zapanta, 5-3, 2-4, 10-3, in the 14-U girls finals then foiled Jean Sunio twice, 4-0, 1-4, 10-7, and 4-2, 2-4, 10-3, to clinch the 16- and 18-U crowns, respectively.

“Crisosto and Aligaen are just two of a number of young players with potentials to make it big. It’s just a matter of providing these kids tournaments where they could showcase their skills and talents,”said Philta regional vice-president and Palawan Pawnshop chief operating officer Bobby Castro.

Karl Baran of PTA La Carlota, who stunned top seed June Casiple in the semis, 4-1, 4-1, routed Angelo Legaspi, 4-0, 4-0, to pocket the boys’ 12-U crown, while No. 1 Aveline Sacapano of Malay, Aklan dominated Daniele Rumbines, 4-0, 4-2, to cop the girls’ 12-U title then outlasted Ceasar Po, 2-4, 4-2, 10-6, to bag the 10-unisex diadem.

“This is a worthy project of Philta, Palawan Pawnshop and Babolat for the Iloilo youth and we hope to stage more quality tournaments in the future,” said Philta regional vice president Andres Bayona.

Technosports president Guillermo Nocom also reiterated Babolat’s continued support of the tournament which shifts to the Bacolod City Center Court Tennis Club beginning tomorrow for the second leg.

For details, contact tournament in-charge Bobby Mangunay.

0195-4046464 or email [email protected].